What document may serve as a substitute for DD-214 in burial benefit requests?

The correct answer is the certificate of discharge, which can serve as a substitute for the DD-214 in burial benefit requests. The certificate of discharge is an official document that indicates a veteran’s release from military service, detailing the nature of the discharge. This document serves a similar purpose to the DD-214, which is the standard form issued to veterans upon separation from active duty and includes vital information about their service.

Using a certificate of discharge for burial benefits is significant because it verifies the veteran's service, which is a fundamental requirement for accessing various benefits, including burial expenses and interment in a national cemetery. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes this document as sufficient proof of military service to facilitate the burial process under the existing guidelines.

Other documents like service connection letters, veteran identification cards, and military service records do not serve the same function in this specific context. A service connection letter relates to the veteran's disability status rather than their discharge details. A veteran identification card verifies a person's status as a veteran but does not provide discharge details necessary for burial benefits. Similarly, military service records contain comprehensive service information but are not standardized like the DD-214 or the certificate of discharge, making it less straightforward for use in burial benefit applications.